UEFA have rejected a bid by Real Madrid to have both new signings Lassana Diarra and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar eligible to play in this season’s Champions League.
“The European body confirms that this was rejected in accordance with regulations which state that only one player who has played UEFA club competition matches for another competing club in the current season may exceptionally be registered,” said a UEFA statement.
Earlier Spanish media reports suggested the defending Spanish champions would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) should their request be turned down.
UEFA added they would look into any appeal lodged with them next week.
Frenchman Diarra has played for Portsmouth and former Ajax striker Dutchman Huntelaar have both played in the UEFA Cup this season, so only one of them would be eligible to play against Liverpool in the first knockout stage of the Champions League.
